Reykjavik Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Reykjavik
Harpa showing modern architecture and general coastal views
Reykjavik which includes a city, general coastal views and mountains
Harpa which includes modern architecture and interior views
Reykjavik which includes street scenes, heritage architecture and a house

The most northerly capital city in the world combines amazing natural wonders with the exciting buzz of a thriving, creative metropolis.

Iceland’s capital, Reykjavík, is small, but has many great things to do. The city features a world-renowned music scene, eclectic architecture, Viking history, geothermal swimming pools and some of the friendliest and safest streets in Europe. Reykjavík also makes the perfect base for experiencing Iceland’s incredible natural beauty, which you can enjoy through leisurely daytrips or action-packed multi-day adventures. 

Reykjavík’s weather is highly changeable, so pack accordingly. When the sun shines, take a boat tour at Reykjavík Harbour to see puffins and whales. Then join the throngs of locals and enjoy the city’s downtown parks, Tjörnin Lake and markets. Climb the bell tower of Iceland’s largest church, Hallgrimskirkja, for panoramic views across Old Town’s colored rooftops to the spectacular mountains and glaciers beyond.

If you’re visiting between October and March, don’t miss Mother Nature’s greatest lightshow, the aurora borealis (northern lights). On dark, clear nights, wrap up and head to Grótta lighthouse, Miklatún or Hljómskálagarður parks, or Öskjuhlíð Hill for the city’s best vantage points. 

When the icy winds pick up, seek shelter in Reykjavík’s many museums. Visit the 871±2 Settlement Exhibition at Reykjavík City Museum to see the oldest archeological ruins in Iceland, then follow the country’s journey to nationhood at The National Museum of Iceland. Stop by the Saga Museum, unusually located in one of six water tanks at Perlan. Here, waxwork figures recall key moments in Iceland’s past.

For a small city, Reykjavík has made its presence known on the world’s cultural and creative stages. Explore the city’s galleries, bookshops and quirky boutiques before heading off to discover the next Sigur Rós or Björk in the city’s acclaimed bars and live music venues. 

After exploring Reykjavík’s streets, dance floors and countryside, join locals in one of the city’s seven natural geothermal springs, such as Arbaejarlaug and Laugardalslaug. 

It’s best to plan your visit based on the seasons and your preferred activities. By mid-June, Reykjavík experiences 21 hours of sunlight per day, giving you plenty of daylight to discover all the delights this stunning metropolis has to offer.

Where to stay in Reykjavik

Reykjavik featuring interior views, a church or cathedral and religious aspects

Downtown Reykjavik

5/5(281 area reviews)

If you're spending some time in Downtown Reykjavik, Hallgrimskirkja and National Gallery of Iceland are top sights worth seeing.

Downtown Reykjavik
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Háaleiti

4/5(73 area reviews)

When in Háaleiti, you can plan a visit to Kringlan Shopping Mall and Laugardalslaug Geothermal Pool, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Háaleiti
Reykjavik featuring fashion and shopping

Laugardalur

4/5(29 area reviews)

Laugardalur is popular for its abundant dining options, and if you're looking for more to see and do, you might think about a trip to Laugardalslaug Geothermal Pool or Laugavegur.

Laugardalur
Reykjavik Harbour which includes a sunset, a bay or harbour and boating

Vesturbær

4.5/5(100 area reviews)

The abundant dining options and waterfront views are top of the list for many visitors to Vesturbær. A stop by Reykjavik Harbour or Landakotskirkja might round out your trip.

Vesturbær
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Hlíðar

4.5/5(164 area reviews)

Though Hlíðar may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Reykjavik Harbour and Perlan.

Hlíðar
Reykjavik featuring fashion and shopping

Tún

If you're spending some time in Tún, Laugavegur and Hofdi House are top sights worth seeing.

Tún
Reykjavik Natura - Berjaya Iceland Hotels

Reykjavik Natura - Berjaya Iceland Hotels

4 out of 5
Nautholsvegur 52, Reykjavik
The price is ₹14,804 per night from 4 Nov to 5 Nov
₹14,804
₹17,009 total
4 Nov - 5 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Reykjavik. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,015 reviews)
The hot tub, the warm pool and the personnel working there were excellent!!

Reviewed on 19 Oct 2025

Reykjavik Natura - Berjaya Iceland Hotels
The Reykjavik EDITION

The Reykjavik EDITION

5 out of 5
AUSTURBAKKI 2, Reykjavik
The price is ₹29,607 per night from 16 Nov to 17 Nov
₹29,607
₹38,485 total
16 Nov - 17 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Reykjavik. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a full-service spa and 3 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the comfy rooms ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (512 reviews)
We really enjoyed our time at the Edition - the room was clean and comfortable. The roof bar is not to be missed. The front desk staff was kind and helpful and the cafe had a delicious chicken caprese my boyfriend loved. My favorite were the valet staff, we rented a car and each time we needed to ...

Reviewed on 17 Oct 2025

The Reykjavik EDITION
Alda Hotel Reykjavik

Alda Hotel Reykjavik

4 out of 5
Laugavegur 66-68, Reykjavik
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ₹15,359 per night from 30 Oct to 31 Oct
₹15,359
₹17,971 total
30 Oct - 31 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Reykjavik. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant in their ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,061 reviews)
Clean rooms Starbucks attached in the lobby was good. Resturant bartenders was kind and make great cocktails. Wish they had smart tvs in the room. To log on Netflix YouTube etc.

Reviewed on 19 Oct 2025

Alda Hotel Reykjavik
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Reykjavik Residence Hotel

Reykjavik Residence Hotel

4 out of 5
Vatnsstígur 2, Reykjavik, Capital Region
Stay at this 4-star family-friendly aparthotel in Reykjavik. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a rooftop terrace and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the breakfast and ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (3,082 reviews)
The room was very clean, and they delivered a nice breakfast every afternoon for the next morning. The room had everything in the kitchenette. I would definitely stay here again.

Reviewed on 17 Oct 2025

Reykjavik Residence Hotel
Thingholt Hotel Apartments from Center Hotels

Thingholt Hotel Apartments from Center Hotels

4 out of 5
Þingholtsstræti 2, Reykjavik, Capital Region
Stay at this 4-star spa apartment in Reykjavik. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a full-service spa and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (243 reviews)
Never ate at the hotel. The apartment I felt safe. The apartment itself was homie and cute. It was hot at times but I found out that Iceland doesn’t have air conditioners. The fan was useful. Opened the windows but at times flies came in but found out that window screens aren’t used. The kitchen ...

Reviewed on 13 Oct 2025

Thingholt Hotel Apartments from Center Hotels
Black Pearl Luxury Apartments

Black Pearl Luxury Apartments

4.5 out of 5
Tryggvagata 18A, 102, Reykjavik
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Reykjavik. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (665 reviews)
This was an ideal place to stay. It was great to have a full apartment to use during our week in Iceland. The staff was very nice and helped us when we had issues regarding our flight and airport transportation. Location is near a bus stop so it was easy to get to where we needed to for tours. There ...

Reviewed on 17 Oct 2025

Black Pearl Luxury Apartments
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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